Security forces in Nigeria’s Edo State have rescued 62 kidnap victims, including women and children, and arrested 40 suspected kidnappers as part of a major offensive against violent crime over the past three months, according to state police authorities.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, announced the development on Monday during a press conference in the capital, Benin City. He attributed the success to “intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation, and community support,” particularly in regions long plagued by insecurity.
In one of the most notable incidents, a combined force of police tactical units, local vigilantes, and community hunters freed 14 passengers abducted along the Fugar-Agenebode road. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl died during the ordeal, and one person remains missing.
“Our operations have not only led to arrests but have severely disrupted the criminals’ operational bases, especially in forested areas near Ewohimi, Fugar, Okpella, Uromi, and on the Benin-Lagos expressway,” Agbonika stated.
In addition to kidnapping arrests, police apprehended 11 suspects involved in armed robbery and other violent crimes. Some were caught in the act, and a suspect was fatally shot during a gunfight on the Auchi-Okpella road. Officers recovered stolen vehicles, electronics, cash, and weapons, including a fabricated shotgun and live cartridges.
Over the course of the operations, police seized 45 firearms—ranging from AK-47s to locally made pistols—and 163 rounds of live ammunition, as well as several magazines. These were recovered through coordinated raids, stop-and-search checkpoints, and community-led intelligence operations across Benin, Auchi, Uromi, Iyamho, and Ekpoma.
The commissioner also warned of the persistent threat of cult-related violence, particularly in urban areas and around university campuses. In three months, police arrested 124 suspected cultists, many of whom confessed affiliation with proscribed groups including Aye, Maphites, NBM, Eiye, and Jurists. Weapons and cult paraphernalia were recovered during arrests in Benin City, Jattu, Auchi, Ekpoma, and other towns.
Agbonika emphasised the growing role of community engagement in crime prevention, citing close cooperation with traditional leaders, youth groups, and religious institutions. He praised local vigilantes and hunters for their support, noting their contributions to intelligence gathering and swift responses to security threats.
With by-elections for senatorial and federal seats scheduled for 16 August, the police have activated the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure peaceful and secure polls.
“We call on the public to continue supporting the police in our mission to protect lives and property,” Agbonika said.
